Adapter assembly

ABSTRACT

The adapter assembly extends outward from an inner structure such as an outer barrel or nipple base to attach the inner structure to a housing such as a bowl. Each sized inner structure fits a specified bowl for attachment of the inner structure to the bowl. The adapter assembly extends outward from the inner structure to fit one of the available sizes needed for attachment to the bowl. The adapter assembly is characterized by a first attachment body and a second attachment body. The adapter assembly attaches to the exterior of the inner structure to increase the surface exterior of the outer surface for attachment of the inner structure to the bowl.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation in part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/199,198, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,243,730, filedon Aug. 22, 2011 entitled “ADAPTER ASSEMBLY”, which is a continuation inpart of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/404,152 filed on Sep. 28, 2010entitled “ADAPTER ASSEMBLY” and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/372,040filed on Oct. 7, 2010 which issued as U.S. Pat. No. D647539 on Oct. 25,2011 entitled “ADAPTER ASSEMBLY”.

This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/199,198which was filed on Aug. 22, 2011, the same date that U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/199,196 entitled “PIPE WIPER BOX” to Grant Pruitt and CrisBraun was filed which was patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,652 and thesame date that U.S. application Ser. No. 13/199,197 application entitled“CASING STRIPPER ATTACHMENT” to Grant Pruitt and Cris Braun was filedwhich was patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,150.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limitedto copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

In well drilling, with a rotary drilling rig, the drill bit and drillingpipe receive rotary motion from power equipment located on the surface.Below the drilling floor, at the ground surface, an assembly known as arotating head allows the circulation of various fluids used in thedrilling. The present invention relates to an adapter assembly. Theadapter assembly increases the size of the exterior of the outer barrelfor attachment of the outer barrel to a housing such as a bowl.

Drilling heads typically include a stationary body, often referred to asa bowl. The stationary body houses a rotatable spindle, commonlyreferred to as a bearing assembly. The outer barrel attaches to thebowl. Bowls are available in different sizes depending upon the size ofthe hole needed for the drilling. Because of the different sized bowls,different sized outer barrels are needed for providing a secureattachment to the bowl. The adapter assembly reduces the required costsof drilling by eliminating the need for different sized outer barrels.To increase the size of the outer barrel, a user attaches an adapterassembly to the exterior of the outer barrel. The increased size of theadapter assembly attached to the outer barrel enables attachment of theouter barrel to the housing, the bowl. The adapter assembly reduces thenumber of different sized outer barrels required. The adapter assemblyconfigures an outer barrel such that the outer barrel may be used formultiple sized bowls thus decreasing the equipment needed for drilling.

II. Description of the Known Art

Patents and patent applications disclosing information relevant torotating heads are disclosed below. These patents and patentapplications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,210 (“the '210 patent) issued to Pruitt et al. onSep. 21, 2010.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,896 issued to Pruitt et al. on Jan. 18, 2011.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,193 (the '193 patent) issued to Geczy on Apr. 16,1985 teaches a combined radial and thrust bearing assembly for adown-hole drilling assembly to journal a shaft, mounting the drill bit,in a housing. The bearing assembly taught by the '193 patent is usedbetween a down-hole fluid powered motor and a drill bit for drilling oilwells, for example. The bearing assembly taught by the '193 patentincludes cooperative pairs of upper and lower inner races located on theshaft for mutual rotation. Each of the inner races taught by the '193patent includes a pair of interchangeable toroidal tracks. Cooperativepairs of upper and lower outer races taught by the '193 patent are fixedagainst rotation in the housing. Each outer race taught by the '193patent has a pair of interchangeable toroidal tracks to selectivelycooperate with the tracks of the inner races to define a toroidalchannel to receive a number of bearing balls. Spring means taught by the'193 patent are disposed between the upper and lower pairs of outerraces and the housing and between the upper and lower pairs of outerraces to provide a compliant coupling for the even distribution ofradial and upwardly and downwardly directed thrust loads between theraces and balls and eventual transfer to the housing. Drilling fluidtaught by the '193 patent is circulated through the bearing assembly forcooling and lubrication.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,158 (“the '158 patent”) issued to Bailey, et al. onMay 25, 1993 teaches a drilling head with dual rotating stripper rubbersdesigned for high pressure drilling operations ensuring sealing underthe extreme conditions of high flow or high pressure wells such ashorizontal drilling. The dual stripper rubbers taught by the '158 patentseal on the same diameter yet are manufactured of different materialsfor different sealing functions. The lower stripper rubber taught by the'158 patent is manufactured from a more rigid, abrasive resistantmaterial to divert the flow from the well. The upper stripper rubbertaught by the '158 patent is manufactured of a softer sealing materialthat will closely conform to the outer diameter of the drill stringthereby preventing the flow of fluids through the drilling head.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,444 issued to Williams on Jul. 15, 1997 discloses arotating blowout preventor having at least two rotating stripper rubberseals which provide a continuous seal about a drilling string havingdrilling string components of varying diameter. A stationary bowl taughtby the '444 patent is designed to support a blowout preventor bearingassembly and receives a swivel ball that cooperates with the bowl toself-align the blowout preventor bearing assembly and the swivel ballwith respect to the fixed bowl. Chilled water taught by the '444 patentis circulated through the seal boxes of the blowout preventor bearingassembly and liquid such as water is pumped into the bearing assemblyannulus between the stripper rubbers to offset well pressure on thestripper rubbers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,181 issued to Williams et al. on Sep. 2, 1997 (“the'181 patent”) teaches a rotating blowout preventor having at least tworotating stripper rubber seals which provide a continuous seal about akelly or drilling string having drilling string components of varyingdiameter. A stationary housing of the '181 patent is designed to supporta bearing assembly and a clamp cooperates with the housing to secure thebearing assembly in the housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,098 issued to Williams on Apr. 3, 2007 (“the '098patent”) teaches a connector system for connecting parts of anapparatus. The '098 patent teaches a first part having one or morebayonet connectors and one or more retention pin receptaclescooperatively mates to a second part having one or more mating bayonetconnectors. The second part taught by the '098 patent further providesone or more retention pin bores. The first and second parts taught bythe '098 patent assemble to form a bayonet connection such that at leastone pin retention bore aligns with at least one retention pinreceptacle. The '098 patent teaches that at least one retention pinassembly disposed through the at least one pin retention boreselectively engages the retention pin receptacle to secure theconnection of the first part to the second part of the apparatus.

U.S. Publication No. 20090057024 to Williams on Mar. 5, 2009 (“the '024publication”) teaches an upper stripper rubber canister system thatcomprises a canister body and a canister body lid. The canister bodytaught by the '024 publication includes an upper end portion, a lowerend portion and a central passage extending therebetween. The centralpassage taught by the '024 publication is configured for having astripper rubber assembly disposed therein. The '024 publication teachesan upper end portion of the body that includes a plurality of bayonetconnector structures. The canister body lid taught by the '024publication includes an exterior surface, an upper end portion, a lowerend portion and a central passage extending between the end portionsthereof. The exterior surface taught by the '024 publication isconfigured for fitting within the central passage of the canister body.The canister body lid includes a plurality of bayonet connectorstructures integral with its exterior surface. Each canister body lidbayonet connector structure taught by the '024 publication is configuredfor being engaged with one of the canister body bayonet connectorstructures for interlocking the canister body lid with the canisterbody.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The adapter assembly of the present invention increases the surfaceexterior an inner structure, including but not limited to an outerbarrel or a nipple base, for attachment of the inner structure to ahousing such as a bowl. Inner structures, such as outer barrels andnipple bases, are available in multiple sizes such as a 16 inch, 20inch, 20 inch oversized, 30 inch, and custom sized. Each sized innerstructure fits a specified bowl for attachment of the outer barrel tothe bowl. The adapter assembly increases the surface exterior of theinner structure to one of the sizes required for attachment to the bowl.For example, the adapter assembly may extend outward from the 16 inchouter barrel to install the outer barrel within the 20 inch bowl, 20inch oversized bowl, or the 30 inch bowl, depending on the size of thebowl. Likewise, the adapter assembly may extend outward from the 20 inchouter barrel to install the outer barrel within the 20 inch oversizedbowl or the 30 inch bowl, depending on the size of the bowl. Inaddition, the adapter assembly may extend outward from the 20 inchoversized outer barrel to install the outer barrel within the 30 inchbowl. The adapter assembly may also extend outwards from the outerbarrel to install the outer barrel within a custom sized bowl.Therefore, the adapter assembly increases the exterior of the outerbarrel for attachment of the outer barrel to the bowl designed for anyof the 20 inch, 20 inch oversized, or the 30 inch bowls.

Similarly, the adapter assembly may extend outwards from the nipplebase. Another embodiment of the adapter assembly secures around a base,such as a drilling nipple base. The adapter assembly enables differentsized bases to be installed within the appropriate bowl similar to theadapter assembly described above.

The present invention reduces the downtime of the drilling rig byreducing time expended replacing different sized bowls or outer barrels.

The present invention reduces the amount of equipment required at adrilling site.

The present invention enables an outer barrel to be retrofitted with anadapter assembly to increase the functionality of the outer barrel.

The present invention enables a base to be retrofitted with an adapterassembly to increase the functionality of the base.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce the equipment neededat a drilling site.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce the costsrequired for a drilling operation.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce shipping andmanufacturing costs required for a drilling operation

Another object of the present invention is to allow more efficientassembly and disassembly of the drilling operation.

Another object of the present invention is to allow for the trouble freeoperation of the drilling operation for the rig personnel.

Another object of the present invention is to create a safer workenvironment for rig personnel.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the method ofassembly of the drilling operation.

It is another object of the present invention to simplify attachment ofthe outer barrel to a housing such as a bowl.

It is another object of the present invention to simplify attachment ofthe base to a housing such as a bowl.

These and other objects of the invention will become more fully apparentas the description proceeds in the following specification and theattached drawings. These and other objects and advantages of the presentinvention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, willappear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptivesections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification andwhich are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which likereference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible toindicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view showing one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is another environmental view showing one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial view showing a portion of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an environmental view showing one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is another environmental view showing one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a left side view showing one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a right side view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a top environmental view thereof;

FIG. 11 is a bottom environmental view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 13 is another top perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a front environmental view thereof;

FIG. 15 is another top perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 17 is a bottom environmental view thereof;

FIG. 18 is another bottom perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective environmental view of an attachment body ofone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 21 is another top perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 22 is bottom perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 24-1 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 24-2 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective environmental view of an attachment body ofone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 27 is another top perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 28 is bottom perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 30-1 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 30-2 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 31 is a top perspective environmental view of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32 is a left side environmental view of one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 33 is another top perspective environmental view thereof;

FIG. 34 is an exploded environmental view thereof;

FIG. 35 is another exploded environmental view thereof;

FIG. 36 is an exploded top environmental view thereof;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly of one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 39 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 40 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 41 is an environmental view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 43 is a bottom perspective thereof;

FIG. 44 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 45 is a left side view thereof, the right side view being a mirrorimage of the left side view;

FIG. 46 is a left side view of an attachment body of one embodiment ofthe present invention, the right side view being a mirror image of theleft side view;

FIG. 47 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 48 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 49 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 50 is a top view of an adapter assembly of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 51 is a rear view thereof; and

FIG. 52 is a partial view of an adapter assembly of one embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to rotating heads for oil and gas wellsand more particularly, to an adapter assembly 100 for attaching an outerbarrel 102 to a housing such as bowl 104. Referring to FIG. 1, theadapter assembly of the present invention is generally illustrated byreference numeral 100. The adapter assembly secures around the exteriorof an inner structure such as an outer barrel or a base. The innerstructure is secured within a central aperture of the attachmentassembly, such as central aperture 139 shown in FIGS. 10-11. Outerbarrels, such as outer barrel 102, are available in multiple sizes suchas the 16 inch, the 20 inch, the 20 inch oversized, and the 30 inch. Theadapter assembly 100 extends outward from the outer barrel to enableattachment of an outer barrel to different sized housings such as bowl102. The adapter assembly 100 is characterized by a first attachmentbody 106 and a second attachment body 108. The adapter assembly 100attaches to the exterior of the outer barrel to increase the size of theouter surface for attachment of the outer barrel 102 to the bowl 104.

Outer barrel 102 provides attachment apertures 122 for attachment ofdrilling tools such as the rotating head to outer barrel 102. Theadapter assembly 100 attaches to outer barrel 102 to limit and/orprevent rotation of adapter assembly 100 in relation to outer barrel102. In one embodiment of the present invention, outer barrel 102 mayinclude a stop dog (not shown). The stop dog of outer barrel 102 entersreceiving aperture 124 of adapter assembly 100 to limit and/or preventrotation of adapter assembly 100 in relation to outer barrel 102. Inanother embodiment, a locking finger (not shown) of the adapter assembly100 contacts the stop dog of the outer barrel to limit and/or preventrotation of the adapter assembly 100 in relation to the outer barrel102.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first attachment body 106 secures tosecond attachment body 108 to form the adapter assembly 100. The firstattachment body 106 and second attachment body 108 secure to each otherto increase the exterior surface. Fasteners 110, 112, 114, 116 enterattachment apertures 118, 120, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136 to attachfirst attachment body 106 to second attachment body 108 around theexterior of outer barrel 102. In one embodiment, fasteners 110, 112,114, 116 may include but are not limited to bolts, screws, couplings, orother known fasteners. Attachment apertures 118, 120, 126, 128, 130, 132may be threaded depending on the fastener that secures first attachmentbody 106 with second attachment body 108.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the placement of outer barrel 102 within housing 104or bowl 104. Clamp 138 attaches the adapter assembly 100 and the outerbarrel 102 to housing 104 such as bowl 104 to limit and/or preventrotation of the adapter assembly 100 and the outer barrel 102 inrelation to housing, such as bowl 104. Clamp 138 may include a receivingaperture for placement of stop dog to limit and/or prevent rotation ofthe adapter assembly 100 and the outer barrel 102 in relation tohousing, such as bowl 104. Receiving aperture 124 contacts a structurefinger (not shown) within the receiving aperture to limit and/or preventrotation of the adapter assembly 100 and the outer barrel 102 inrelation to housing, such as bowl 104. Therefore, clamp finger (notshown) of the clamp 138 limits and/or prevents rotation of the outerbarrel with the inner barrel and bearing assembly by contacting stopdog.

FIGS. 6-12 show another embodiment of the present invention. Theattachment body 142 attaches to attachment body 144 to form assembly140. Attachment apertures 150, 152 provide an aperture for placement offasteners for attaching attachment body 142 to attachment body 144.Similar to the embodiment described above, adapter assembly 140 attachesto outer barrel 166. Adapter assembly provides an exterior and aninterior surface which is mostly annular. The upper exterior surface andthe lower exterior surface of the adapter assembly 140 slant inwardsfrom the exterior of the adapter assembly. The first attachment body ofone embodiment secures with the second attachment body to form a toroid.

Attachment body 142 provides a locking finger 146 extending in an upwarddirection from the assembly 140. The locking finger 146 is placed withinthe clamp 138 to limit the movement of the adapter assembly 140 and theouter barrel 166. In one embodiment, the clamp 138 provides a receivingaperture for placement of the locking finger 146. The receiving apertureof the clamp limits movement of the locking finger 146 and adapterassembly 140 in relation to the clamp 138 and the inner structure, suchas housing 106. The inner structure may include but not limited to anouter barrel or a nipple base.

Referring to FIG. 10, adapter assembly 140 also provides a receivingaperture 148. A structure finger 168 of outer barrel 166 fits withinreceiving aperture 148. In one embodiment, the receiving aperture 148extends downward into the adapter assembly 140 such that receivingaperture 148 limits the movement of structure finger 168 withinreceiving aperture 148. The adapter assembly 140 secures around outerbarrel 166 such that structure finger 168 is placed within receivingaperture 148 as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of theouter barrel 166 placed within attachment bodies 142, 144.

FIG. 12 shows an environmental view of the attachment assembly 140secured around the outer barrel 166. In this embodiment, outer barrel166 is retrofitted with the adapter assembly. Downhole tools passthrough the outer barrel. Therefore, one embodiment of the presentinvention attaches the adapter assembly 140 without any fastenersinserted through the outer barrel 166. Instead, attachment bodies 142,144, secure to the exterior of the outer barrel 166. Attachment heads141, 180 of attachment bodies 142, 144 and attachment tails 145, 184 ofattachment bodies 142, 144 slant inwards toward the outer barrel 166. Inone embodiment, the outer barrel 166 has two extrusions, an upperextrusion 103 and a lower extrusion 105 (shown in FIG. 2). Theattachment heads 141, 180 and attachment tails 145, 184 angle inwardswith the upper extrusion 103 and lower extrusion 105 of outer barrel166. The attachment heads 141, 180 limit vertical movement by contactingthe upper extrusion 103 and the clamp.

In one embodiment, a sealing gasket is installed between the bowl andthe adapter assembly 140. The sealing gasket of this embodiment isplaced between the bowl and the adapter at the attachment tails 145, 184of attachment bodies 142, 144. The sealing gasket seals against theadapter assembly 140 at attachment tails 145, 184. The sealing gasketmaintains drilling fluids within the well.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 12, structure finger 168 extends outwardfrom outer barrel 166. In a properly sized bowl, the structure finger168 contacts the clamp to secure the outer barrel 166 within the bowl.Placement of the structure finger 168 within the clamp limits rotationof the outer barrel in relation to the clamp. The adapter assembly ofthe present invention enables a user to install an outer barrel within alarger sized bowl. Because the outer barrel would not secure within thelarger bowl, the adapter assembly extends outward from the outer barrelfor securing the outer barrel within the clamp. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, locking finger 146, and structure finger 168 are stopdogs.

When placed in a larger bowl, the structure finger 168 of outer barrel166 does not contact the clamp to limit movement of the outer barrel inrelation to the clamp. Instead, the structure finger 168 of outer barrel166 fits within receiving aperture 148 of attachment body 142. Placementof structure finger 168 within receiving aperture 148 limits rotation ofthe outer barrel 166 in relation to adapter assembly 140.

Because structure finger 168 does not contact the clamp, locking finger146 contacts the clamp to limit rotation. Locking finger 146 ofattachment body 142 extends outward from attachment body 142 to contactthe clamp when the outer barrel is installed in a larger bowl. Placementof locking finger 146 within the clamp limits the rotation of theadapter assembly 140 in relation to the clamp. The structure finger 168secured within receiving aperture 148 limits the rotation of outerbarrel 166 in relation to attachment assembly 140 and the bowl.

FIGS. 13-18 show the adapter assembly 140 installed on the outer barrel166. Fasteners 158, 160, 162, 164 including but not limited to bolts,screws, and other fasteners secure attachment body 142 with attachmentbody 144.

FIGS. 19-24 show different views of attachment body 142. Fasteners areinstalled through attachment apertures 150, 152, 154, 156 and attachmentapertures 172, 174, 176, 178 of attachment body 142 shown in FIGS. 20and 24-2 and attachment apertures 186, 188, 190, 192 of attachment body144 shown in FIG. 26 to secure attachment body 142 with attachment body144.

Attachment body 142 forms an open curve. Attachment head 141 also formsan open curve that angles inward. Similarly, attachment tail 145 formsan open curve that angles inward. Curve body 143 of attachment body 142curves to fit with the curve of outer barrel 166. Curve body has anexterior surface 147 and an interior surface 149. Curve body 143 is anopen curve with a first end 171 and a second end 175. Attachmentapertures 172, 174, 176, 178 proceed from the exterior surface 147 tothe first end 171 and second end 175. The attachment apertures 172, 174,176, 178 of one embodiment do not pass through the interior surface 149as shown in FIG. 24-1. In such an embodiment, attachment body 142prevents fasteners from passing through the interior surface 149 intothe central aperture 139 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 24-1 shows a top view of attachment body 142. Receiving aperture148 is located horizontally inward from locking finger 146. Receivingaperture 148 is located adjacent the interior edge of attachment head141. Locking finger 146 is located adjacent the exterior edge ofattachment head 141. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24-1, lockingfinger 146 is aligned with receiving aperture 148. In other embodiments,locking finger 146 is not aligned with receiving aperture 148.

FIG. 24-2 shows installation apertures 172, 174, 176, 178. In theembodiment shown, installation apertures 172, 174, 176, 178 do not passthrough interior surface 149. FIG. 24-2 also shows the alignment ofreceiving aperture 148 with locking finger 146.

FIGS. 25-30, 30-1, and 30-2 show different views of attachment body 144.Attachment body 144 forms an open curve. Attachment head 180 also formsan open curve that angles slightly inward. Similarly, attachment tail184 forms an open curve that angles slightly inward. Curve body 182 ofattachment body 144 curves to fit with the curve of outer barrel 166.Curve body 182 has an exterior surface 181 and an interior surface 183.Curve body 182 is an open curve with a first end 185 and a second end189. Attachment apertures 186, 188, 190, 192 proceed from the first end185 and second end 189 into the core of curve body 182 between theexterior surface 181 and interior surface 183. The attachment apertures186, 188, 190, 192 of one embodiment do not pass through the interiorsurface 175 as shown in FIGS. 25-27. In such an embodiment, attachmentbody 144 prevents fasteners from passing through the interior surface175 into the central aperture 139 shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of an adapter assembly 194 that secureswith a base 204. In one embodiment, the adapter assembly 194 secureswith a drilling nipple base 204. The casing passes through the base 204.The adapter assembly 194 shown in FIGS. 31-36 is similar to adapterassembly 140 except that adapter assembly 194 has receiving apertures216, 218 instead of locking finger 146. Because the base 204 and thecasing do not rotate, a locking finger is not required to limit rotationof the adapter assembly 194. Furthermore, adapter assembly 194 may varyin sizes for the different sized bases.

Similar to the adapter assembly described above, attachment body 196secures to attachment body 198 to form adapter assembly 194. Adapterassembly 194 secures with the base 204 to extend the outer surface ofbase 204 for attachment within a housing, such as a bowl. The adapterassembly 194 extends outward from the base for securing the base withina larger bowl such as a 20 inch, 20 inch oversized, 30 inch, orcustomized bowl.

FIG. 32 shows the adapter assembly 194 partially enveloping the base204. Attachment bodies 196, 198 extend horizontally outward from base204. Attachment bodies 196, 198 secure around the base 204 to extendoutward. The clamp secures the adapter assembly 194 and the base 204within the housing, such as a bowl.

FIG. 33 shows the attachment of casing rubber 206 to base 204. The clampsecures adapter assembly 194, base 204, and casing rubber 206 within thebowl.

FIGS. 34-36 show exploded views of the adapter assembly prior toconnection of the adapter assembly 194 with the base 204. Similar to theattachment bodies described above, attachment bodies 196, 198 havesimilar attachment apertures as those described above and shown in FIGS.12-30. Fasteners 224, 226, 228, 230 including but not limited to bolts,screws, and other fasteners secure attachment body 196 with attachmentbody 198. Fasteners 224, 226, 228, 230 install through attachmentapertures 220, 222, and others of attachment body 198 and attachmentapertures 208, 210, 212 (another attachment aperture is located belowattachment aperture 212 similar to attachment aperture 210) ofattachment body 196 to secure attachment body 196 with attachment body198.

Attachment heads 141, 180 of attachment bodies 232, 238 and attachmenttails 236, 242 of attachment bodies 196, 198 slant inwards toward thebase 204. The attachment heads 232, 238 and attachment tails 236, 242angle inwards for fitting with the base 204. The attachment heads 232,238 limit vertical movement by contacting the base 204 and the clamp.

In one embodiment, a sealing gasket is installed between the bowl andthe adapter assembly 194. The sealing gasket of this embodiment isplaced between the bowl and the adapter at the attachment tails 236, 242of attachment bodies 196, 198. The sealing gasket seals against theadapter assembly 194 at attachment tails 236, 242. The sealing gasketmaintains drilling fluids within the well.

Attachment body 196 forms an open curve. Attachment head 232 also formsan open curve that angles inward. Similarly, attachment tail 236 formsan open curve that angles inward. Curve body 234 of attachment body 196curves to fit with the curve of base 204. Curve body 234 has an exteriorsurface 237 and an interior surface 235. Curve body 234 is an open curvewith a first end 207 and a second end 211. Attachment apertures 208,210, 212 proceed from the first end 207 and second end 211 into the coreof curve body 234 between the exterior surface 237 and interior surface235. The attachment apertures 208, 210, 212 of one embodiment do notpass through the interior surface 235. In such an embodiment, attachmentbody 196 prevents fasteners from passing through the interior surface235 into the central aperture 193.

Similarly, attachment body 198 forms an open curve. Attachment head 238also forms an open curve that angles slightly inward. Similarly,attachment tail 242 forms an open curve that angles slightly inward.Curve body 240 of attachment body 198 curves to fit with the curve ofbase 204. Curve body 240 has an exterior surface 243 and an interiorsurface 241. Curve body 240 is an open curve with a first end 219 and asecond end 221. Attachment apertures 220, 222 of first end 219 andsimilar attachment apertures of second end 221 proceed from the exteriorsurface 243 to the first end 219 and second end 221. The attachmentapertures 220, 222 of one embodiment do not pass through the interiorsurface 241. In such an embodiment, attachment body 198 preventsfasteners from passing through the interior surface 241 into the centralaperture 193.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 34-36, receiving apertures 216, 218 providean indentation for receiving lift eyes 200, 202. Because attachmentheads 232, 238 extend above base 204, receiving apertures 216, 218 allowpassage of the attachment bodies 196, 198 around base 204 for attachmentof attachment body 196 with attachment body 198.

FIGS. 37-51 show another embodiment of the adapter assembly 300. Adapterassembly 300 is sized larger such that the increased weight of theadapter assembly is too great for a single person to comfortably handle.The adapter assembly 300 is hollow to reduce the weight to simplify theuse of the adapter assembly 300. The adapter assembly 300 is alightweight solution for a large 30 inch bowl to accept a standard sizedrotating control head.

The rotary table diameter may prevent a solid 30 inch diameter rotatingcontrol head to pass through the rotary table. Therefore, a light weightdesign is needed for installation underneath the rig floor. The adapterassembly 300 serves such purpose. The reduced weight of the twoattachment bodies 302, 304 enables two users to install the attachmentbodies 302, 304 around the rotating control head under the rig floor.

The smaller head is lowered through the rig floor. The users theninstall the attachment bodies 302, 304 around the head to increase thesize of the head to be inserted into the bowl. The adapter assembly 300increases the size of the head to properly fit the bowl. Users installadapter assembly 300 to increase the size of the head prior to insertingthe head into the bowl.

FIG. 37 shows attachment bodies 302, 304. The tops 294 of the attachmentbodies 302, 304 are hollowed out by apertures 306, 308, 310, 312, 314,316. The bottoms 298 of the attachment bodies 302, 304 of one embodimentare solid with spacing 292 between the top 294 and bottom 298. Thespacing 292 between top 294 and bottom 298 further reduces the weight ofadapter assembly 300.

Interior wall 296 is located on the radially inner portion of theattachment bodies 302, 304. The interior wall 296 separates the top 294from the bottom 298. The supports extend radially outward from theinterior wall 296. The supports extend axially between the top 294 fromthe bottom 298. The interior wall 296 forms an opening in which therotating control head is inserted such that the head runs axiallythrough the adapter assembly 300.

Attachment bodies 302, 304 attach together to form adapter assembly 300.The two attachment bodies 302, 304 secure to each other around therotating control head. Fasteners 318, 320, such as threaded fasteners,bolts, etc., secure the two attachment bodies 302, 304 to each other.

FIGS. 38-39 show the adapter assembly 300 secured around the rotatingcontrol head 322. The adapter assembly 300 secures around an innerstructure, such as outer barrel 324. The inner barrel 326 locatedradially inward from the outer barrel 324 rotates while outer barrel 324and adapter assembly 300 remain stationary. Rubber 328 attaches to theinner barrel 326 to rotate with inner barrel 326.

FIGS. 40-41 show the rotating control head 322 and the adapter assembly300 secured within a housing, such as the bowl 334. The bowl 334 issized larger than the rotating control head 322. The adapter assembly300 increases the size of the head 322 to be properly secured within thebowl 334. Clamp 330 secures the adapter assembly 300 within the bowl334. Bowl 330 provides a flanged outlet 332.

FIG. 42 shows the spacing 292 between the top 294 and bottom 298.Supports 335, 336, 338, 342 provide the additional support neededbetween top 294 and bottom 298. Supports 335, 336, 338, 342 increase thestrength of the adapter assembly 300.

Nut 340 is secured to support 338. In one embodiment, the nut 340 iswelded to support 338. The fasteners 318, 320 insert into aperture 344of support 342. The fasteners 318, 320 secure the attachment bodies 302,304 to each other via nut 340. The nuts 340 are located on supports. Inone embodiment, four fasteners, such as bolts, and four nuts secure theattachment bodies 302, 304 to each other.

Legs 346, 348 extend axially downwards from the bottom of the attachmentbodies 302, 304. The legs 346, 348 increase the contact with therotating control head to better secure the adapter assembly 300 to therotating control head.

FIG. 44 shows apertures 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316 of attachmentbodies 302, 304. Fasteners 318, 320 insert into the apertures andcorresponding nuts located on each edge of the attachment bodies 302,304. Another set of fasteners are inserted on the opposite side tosecure the other end of the attachment bodies 302, 304.

FIG. 45 shows the fasteners 320 that secure the attachment bodies toeach other. Lifting eyes 350, 352 provide a contact area for lifting theattachment assembly.

FIG. 46 shows attachment body 302 and support 342. Support 342 providesapertures for insertion of the fasteners.

FIG. 47 shows supports 342, 343 and apertures 354, 356, 358, 360. Fourfasteners insert into the apertures 354, 356, 358, 360 for securing theattachment bodies to each other.

FIG. 48 shows the attachment body 304 and the apertures.

FIG. 49 shows apertures 362, 364, 366, 368 of the supports of attachmentbody 302. As discussed above, four fasteners insert into the apertures362, 364, 366, 368 for securing the attachment bodies to each other.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 49, interior wall 296 forms the radiallyoutermost surface defining the central aperture 292 in adapter assembly300 for accepting the inner structure, such as the outer barrel. In oneembodiment, the diameter of the interior wall 296 decreases from thecentral portion towards the vertical edges of the adapter assembly.

Retention fingers 295, 349 extend radially inwards from the interiorsurface 296 to decrease the diameter of the aperture 292 and theinterior wall 296. The diameter of interior wall 296 decreasesvertically upwards and vertically downwards at or near top 294 and lip348 of the adapter assembly 300. The decreased diameter of oneembodiment assists with securing the attachment body 300 to the innerstructure.

FIG. 50 shows the attachment bodies 302, 304 to each other via thefasteners. The attachment bodies 302, 304 secure to each other to formadapter assembly 300.

FIG. 51 shows the nuts 370, 372, 374, 376 that accept the fasteners. Thefasteners insert into the nuts 370, 372, 374, 376 to secure theattachment bodies 302, 304 to each other. Nuts 370, 372 secure tosupport 338. Nuts 374, 376 secure to support 339. The nuts of oneembodiment are secured to the supports by welding the nuts to thesupports.

FIG. 52 shows a partial view of the adapter assembly. The top of theadapter assembly has been removed to show the bottom 298 and thesupports 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 394, 396, 398 extendingvertically upward from the bottom 298 to the top. Supports 382, 384,386, 392, 394, 396 extend upwards to support the top while reducing theweight of the adapter assembly.

Edge supports 380, 388, 390, 398 provide vertical support at the edgesof each attachment body. Apertures through edge supports 380, 388, 390,398 accept fasteners 318, 320 to secure the attachment bodies to eachother. Fasteners 318, 320 insert into edge support 308. Edge support 390of one embodiment provides a nut block at the aperture for securing thenut to the support 390. The nut secures the fasteners 318, 320 to attachthe attachment bodies to each other.

The adapter assembly 300 increases the surface exterior of an innerstructure, including but not limited to an outer barrel or a nipplebase, for attachment of the inner structure to a housing such as a bowl.Inner structures, such as outer barrels and nipple bases, are availablein multiple sizes such as a 16 inch, 20 inch, 20 inch oversized, 30inch, other custom sizes, and sizes larger than 30 inches for placementwithin the housing, such as the bowl. Each sized inner structure fits aspecified bowl for attachment of the inner structure, such as the outerbarrel, to the housing, such as the bowl.

The adapter assembly increases the surface exterior of the innerstructure to one of the sizes required for attachment to the bowl. Theadapter assembly secures to the inner structure. The adapter assemblyextends radially outward from the inner structure to increase the sizeof the outermost radial surface. For example, the adapter assembly mayextend outward from the 16 inch outer barrel to install the outer barrelwithin the 20 inch bowl, 20 inch oversized bowl, or the 30 inch bowl,depending on the size of the bowl. Likewise, the adapter assembly mayextend outward from the 20 inch outer barrel to install the outer barrelwithin the 20 inch oversized bowl or the 30 inch bowl, depending on thesize of the bowl. In addition, the adapter assembly may extend outwardfrom the 20 inch oversized outer barrel to install the outer barrelwithin the 30 inch bowl. The adapter assembly may also extend outwardsfrom the outer barrel to install the outer barrel within a custom sizedbowl, including but not limited to a bowl larger than 30 inches.Therefore, the adapter assembly increases the exterior of the outerbarrel for attachment of the outer barrel to the bowl designed for anyof the 20 inch, 20 inch oversized, the 30 inch bowls, custom sizedbowls, or larger bowls.

Similarly, the adapter assembly may extend outwards from the nipplebase. Another embodiment of the adapter assembly secures around a base,such as a drilling nipple base. The adapter assembly enables differentsized bases to be installed within the appropriate bowl similar to theadapter assembly described above.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention is onewell adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth,together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of theclaims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly attaching with an innerstructure, the adapter assembly extending radially outward from theinner structure for contacting a clamp that secures the adapter assemblyand the inner structure within a housing, the adapter assemblycomprising: a first attachment body forming an open curve configured toconform with the inner structure, wherein the radially outermost surfaceof the first attachment body forms a semi-circle; a second attachmentbody forming an open curve configured to conform with the innerstructure, wherein the radially outermost surface of the secondattachment body forms a semi-circle; the first attachment bodyattachable with the second attachment body to form the adapter assemblydefining a longitudinal axis, the adapter assembly attachable around anexterior portion of the inner structure; and a central aperture formedby the adapter assembly, the central aperture extending along thelongitudinal axis; wherein at least a portion of the adapter assemblysecures within the housing; wherein the radially outermost surface ofthe adapter assembly secured within the housing forms a circle; a top ofthe adapter assembly; a bottom of the adapter assembly; and a hollowspacing located axially between the top and the bottom.
 2. The adapterassembly of claim 1 further comprising: a support extending axiallybetween the top and the bottom.
 3. The adapter assembly of claim 1further comprising: an aperture in the top of the adapter assembly. 4.The adapter assembly of claim 1 further comprising: at least threeapertures in the top of the first attachment body.
 5. The adapterassembly of claim 1 further comprising: a first end of the firstattachment body; an end support extending axially between the top andthe bottom of the first attachment body, the end support locatedadjacent the first end.
 6. The adapter assembly of claim 5 furthercomprising: an aperture in the end support, the aperture in the endsupport accepting a fastener to secure the first attachment body to thesecond attachment body.
 7. The adapter assembly of claim 5 furthercomprising: a first end of the second attachment body; an end supportextending axially between the top and the bottom of the secondattachment body, the end support located adjacent the first end of thesecond attachment body.
 8. The adapter assembly of claim 7 furthercomprising: an aperture in the end support of the first attachment body,the aperture in the end support of the first attachment body accepting afastener to secure the first attachment body to the second attachmentbody; an aperture in the end support of the second attachment body, theaperture in the end support of the second attachment accepting afastener to secure the first attachment body to the second attachmentbody; the aperture in the end support of the first attachment bodyaligning with the aperture in the end support of the second attachmentbody to accept a fastener to secure the first attachment body with thesecond attachment body.
 9. The adapter assembly of claim 8 furthercomprising: a nut secured to the end support at the aperture wherein thenut accepts a fastener to secure the first attachment body with thesecond attachment body.
 10. The adapter assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising: a lip extending axially downward from the bottom of theadapter assembly.
 11. The adapter assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising: an interior wall defining the central aperture, the interiorwall forming the radially innermost surface of the adapter assembly. 12.The adapter assembly of claim 11 further comprising: a first retentionfinger extending radially inward from the interior wall, the firstretention finger decreasing the diameter of the central aperture. 13.The adapter assembly of claim 12 further comprising: a second retentionfinger extending radially inward from the interior wall, the secondretention finger decreasing the diameter of the central aperture, thesecond retention finger located vertically below the first retentionfinger.
 14. An adapter assembly attaching with an inner structure, theadapter assembly extending radially outward from the inner structure forcontacting a clamp that secures the adapter assembly and the innerstructure within a housing, the adapter assembly comprising: a firstattachment body forming an open curve configured to conform with theinner structure; a second attachment body forming an open curveconfigured to conform with the inner structure; the first attachmentbody attachable with the second attachment body to form the adapterassembly defining a longitudinal axis, the adapter assembly attachablearound an exterior portion of the inner structure; a central apertureformed by the adapter assembly, the central aperture extending along thelongitudinal axis wherein the diameter of the central aperture isgreater towards the center of the adapter assembly located along thelongitudinal axis than at a first end of the adapter assembly locatedalong the longitudinal axis, the first end of the central aperturelocated longitudinally away from the center of the central aperture;wherein at least a portion of the adapter assembly secures within thehousing; wherein the radially outermost surface of the adapter assemblysecured within the housing forms a circle; a top of the adapterassembly; a bottom of the adapter assembly; and a hollow spacing locatedaxially between the top and the bottom.
 15. The adapter assembly ofclaim 14 further comprising: a support extending axially between the topand the bottom.
 16. The adapter assembly of claim 15 further comprising:a first end of the first attachment body; an end support extendingaxially between the top and the bottom of the first attachment body, theend support located adjacent the first end.
 17. The adapter assembly ofclaim 16 further comprising: an aperture in the end support, theaperture in the end support accepting a fastener to secure the firstattachment body to the second attachment body.
 18. The adapter assemblyof claim 17 further comprising: a nut secured to the end support at theaperture wherein the nut accepts a fastener to secure the firstattachment body with the second attachment body.
 19. An adapter assemblyattaching with an inner structure, the adapter assembly extendingradially outward from the inner structure for contacting a clamp thatsecures the adapter assembly and the inner structure within a housing,the adapter assembly comprising: a first attachment body forming an opencurve configured to conform with the inner structure; a secondattachment body forming an open curve configured to conform with theinner structure; the first attachment body attachable with the secondattachment body to form the adapter assembly defining a longitudinalaxis, the adapter assembly attachable around an exterior portion of theinner structure; an interior wall forming the radially innermost surfaceof the adapter assembly; a central aperture defined by the interiorwall, the central aperture extending along the vertical axis, thediameter of the interior wall decreasing towards the top of the interiorwall and the bottom of the interior wall; wherein at least a portion ofthe adapter assembly secures within the housing; wherein the radiallyoutermost surface of the adapter assembly secured within the housingforms a circle; a top of the adapter assembly; a bottom of the adapterassembly; a hollow spacing located axially between the top and thebottom; and a support extending along the axis between the top and thebottom of the adapter assembly.
 20. The adapter assembly of claim 19further comprising: a first end of the first attachment body; an endsupport extending axially between the top and the bottom of the firstattachment body, the support located adjacent the first end; an aperturein the end support, the aperture in the end support accepting a fastenerto secure the first attachment body to the second attachment body; a nutsecured to the end support at the aperture wherein the nut accepts afastener to secure the first attachment body with the second attachmentbody.